Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026, Vijay Singh makes a PGA comeback at 62, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf League season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain involved with the rival circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was confirmed by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka, known as a competitive player who thrives on top-level competition, showed limited motivation in LIV. His 2022 move to the Saudi league was driven by injury concerns and financial security for retirement. Thus, skipping the final contractual season is not surprising, though questions remain about possible buyouts or repayments. He still owns LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation grows about Koepka’s next playing venues — the DP World Tour where he could play immediately, possibly with a fine, or the PGA Tour where he faces a one-year suspension from his last LIV appearance, reduced from a lifetime ban by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. The key question seems partly answered: according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka has formally applied to reinstate his PGA Tour membership last Friday, seeking readmission.
An eventual suspension expires in August, coinciding with the end of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship (August 27-30). Koepka would then be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new schedule with about two dozen $20 million events and limited fields — a perfect comeback timing favored by Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome such a star name joining their top-tier league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in the podcast «Subpar» that Koepka will return to the PGA Tour, initially playing at least the minimum and then choosing major events he enjoys. The PGA’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee might show leniency, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation for Koepka’s immediate return. A majority of fans appear supportive, as a non-representative poll by «Bunkered» revealed.
DeChambeau confirms LIV start for 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed participating in the 2026 LIV Golf League with his Crushers team alongside Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri entering their fifth season unchanged. Notably, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, leaving behind-the-scenes speculation on retaining such a prominent LIV figure after Koepka’s exit.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh returns to the PGA Tour at 62 using an exemption for career money list standings, starting at this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. The three-time major champion from Fiji previously competed on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, winning five titles including the Senior Players Championship.
TGL struggles with TV ratings in season two
Without Tiger Woods, the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) faces difficulties maintaining strong TV ratings despite high technology